Imagine that you are a passionate cyclist immersed in a two-wheeled holiday through the heart of Italy. The terrain is varied, complete with tough climbs, sharp descents, breathtaking scenery and even a peak into the Giro 'd Italia on one of the days. You are guided by a longtime Italian resident, a soft-spoken fellow with a distinctly South African accent. He exudes the ease and grace on his steed that is reserved for only a select few – perfect symmetry and pedalling stroke that is best described as supple. Imagine finding out that this guy has suffered on these very roads, and thousands more, has won obscure races in faraway places, been a formative member of cycling's first “super team”, and has even fallen off the side of the highest paved road in Europe.
Sound far-fetched? Well, no, not actually.
